Massachusetts fire officials issuing warning after two fatal fires were preventable

LOWELL and NEWTON — Local and state officials said that smoking materials were the most likely cause of fatal fires in Lowell and Newton recently, and the most common cause of fire deaths nationwide.

Lowell Fire Chief Phillip A.J. Charron, Lowell Police Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan said that the March 16 fire on Farmland Road in Lowell began in the area of a bed near the back left corner of the second floor. The most likely cause was unsafe disposal of smoking materials, they said. That fire was investigated by the Lowell Fire Department, Lowell Police Department, and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Middlesex District Attorney.

The Middlesex County District Attorney’s office identified the victim as 56-year-old Charles Bearden of Lowell. Another occupant, an adult, was transported with injuries that were not life-threatening.

“I again want to express our sorrow for Mr. Bearden’s passing and recognize the loss his family has suffered,” said Chief Charron. “For the rest of our community, I want to emphasize that there’s no truly safe way to smoke, but it’s especially dangerous to smoke when you’re drowsy or impaired. Smoking materials are the #1 cause of fatal fires nationwide. For your safety and the safety of your family, please don’t risk a fire – especially in bed, when you’re least able to react.”

Separately, Newton Fire Chief Gregory J. Gentile, Newton Police Chief John F. Carmichael, Jr, State Fire Marshal Davine, and District Attorney Ryan said that Sunday’s fatal fire at 1243 Walnut St. in Newton began in the area of a living room couch and was also caused by smoking materials. That fire was investigated by the Newton Fire Department, Newton Police Department, and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Middlesex District Attorney.

The Middlesex DA’s office identified the victim as 69-year-old Scott Patz of Newton. Another adult in the home was injured but did not require transport from the scene.

“Mr. Patz and his loved ones remain in our thoughts at the Newton Fire Department and across our city,” said Chief Gentile. “We also want to remind our residents that more than 100 Massachusetts residents have lost their lives in smoking fires over the past 10 years, and hundreds more have been injured or lost their homes. If you must smoke, or if you have guests who do, it’s important to use a heavy ashtray with water or sand and fully extinguish your smoking materials. Put it out, all the way, every time.”

Investigators in both cases were supported by members of the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit, which did not locate working smoke alarms at either scene.

“Every family should have working smoke alarms on every level of their home,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “A house fire can become deadly in less than three minutes. Smoke alarms can give you the warning you need to get out quickly, especially when you’re sleeping. Test them every month to be sure your family is protected, and practice an escape route so you know where to go when you hear them activate. No property is worth your life – get out and stay out when you hear the smoke alarm sounding.”